- Spain or Newquay? The iconic Fistral Beach.
With summer just around the corner, many of us are thinking about taking a well-deserved break and jetting off somewhere hot with our friends.
According to The Times’ list of top holiday destinations, Spain is the favourite for British holidaymakers and it is easy to see why.
Spain really does have it all – from partying in Ibiza, tanning on the beaches in Tenerife, enjoying a city break in Palma or soaking up the culture in Barcelona there really is something for everyone.
And it is clear to see why students are drawn to Spain’s sunny shores.
The hot weather attracts both sunbathers and surfers to the golden beaches and the Balearic Islands, which include party favourites Magaluf and Ibiza, are the nightlife capital of Spain.
If you book now for August, a return flight from Manchester to Palma will cost around £150. Birmingham to Malaga is £160 whilst London Gatwick to Ibiza is around £110.
Prices don’t include travel insurance and baggage costs although you can find great deals online, especially if you book far in advance.
But for those of us who just can’t spare the cash this summer it’s good to know there is a British alternative in Newquay.
Sun, sea and surfing
It probably won’t be as hot but Newquay is notorious for its party lifestyle and has a reputation for being a surfer’s paradise.
Located on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast you can’t get much further south, meaning it’s probably one of the hottest places you will find in the British summertime. In fact, summer temperatures in Newquay usually reach 24°C so pack plenty of sun cream!
Newquay has a vast coastline and an array of stunning beaches making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Fistral Beach is Newquay’s iconic beach with a reputation as one of the best surfing beaches in Europe.
But others such as Great Western and Lusty Glaze are popular with swimmers and sunbathers and provide a more relaxed atmosphere.
Fistral Beach is also home to Boardmasters festival in August – Europe’s largest surf, skate and music festival with nine live music stages this year.
Newquay’s nightlife
If it’s a party you’re after, Newquay has a fantastic nightlife with a range of nightclubs, bars, pubs and live music venues to choose from.
The Beach nightclub is renowned for putting on fantastic parties every night of the summer whilst Bertie’s Club is the largest club in Cornwall, known for its live bands and guest appearances from Radio 1 DJs.
The easiest way to travel to Newquay is probably by train although it can be very expensive; in some cases it’s actually cheaper to fly. For the same week in August, return flights from Manchester to Newquay cost £86 and from London Gatwick it’s £58.
Otherwise, carpooling with your mates is a good idea if you have the space and a friend willing to drive. And don’t forget Megabus, which operates from most cities at bargain prices.
Whether surfing and partying is your thing or if you’d rather check out the aquarium and hit the shops, there is something for everyone to have a fantastic holiday in Newquay.
Visit www.visitnewquay.org for more information.